Rent to buy homes are let on an assured shorthold tenancy for an initial fixed term of 12 months at 80% of the market rent, giving you the opportunity to save for a deposit.

After the first 12 month period, provided you pay your rent on time and conduct your tenancy satisfactorily, we will allow your tenancy to continue.

When you have saved enough for a deposit you have the option to purchase your home at the current market value.

Due to the grant funding used to build the home we are required to offer the property as rent to buy for five years from first letting before selling it. However you can apply to buy on a shared ownership basis within the first five years.

To be eligible for rent to buy homes you need to:

• be 18 years of age minimum and working full or part time
• be intending to buy your own home but not able to afford to buy on the open market
• be a first time buyer or returning to the market following a relationship breakdown
• have a combined household income of less than £80,000
• able to pay your rent and save for a deposit to purchase your home at the same time
• able to pay a rental deposit and first months rent at the point of letting
• not be overcrowded in the property you want to rent

Reasons you would not be eligible include:

• you are subject to immigration control or you are from abroad and not eligible
• you or members of your family have caused serious anti social behaviour in the past
• you have debts with us or another landlord
• you already own another home
• you have used false information to gain the property or you have committed tenancy fraud in the past
• your previous convictions may indicate you pose a risk to your household, neighbours or wider community. Having a previous conviction does not necessarily exclude you from housing, only where we think there is a risk

Rent to buy homes are advertised on Zoopla and let on a first come first served basis.

There is no waiting list for these homes.

If you see a home which you would like to apply to rent, with the intention of buying in the future, then you need to express your interest via Zoopla as soon as you decide.

If you are the successful applicant, our Lettings Team will contact you to progress your application and arrange for you to view the property.

If you do not hear anything within four weeks of expressing an interest in a home then you will not have been successful.